The construction firm behind the development of Birmingham’s new £34 million dental hospital has signed a deal to create jobs and apprenticeships for local youngsters.

Galliford Try, which is building the new hospital on the former Pebble Mill site in Edgbaston, will create at least the equivalent of 26 full time jobs for new entrants.

There is also a commitment to local apprenticeships and training opportunities.

The company, working with Birmingham City Council has drawn up an Employment and Skills Charter.

A city council spokesman said: “The Charter aims to provide opportunities for unemployed Birmingham residents as well as sustaining employment for those already working within the construction sector under the council’s Building Jobs in Birmingham strategy.”

He added that the charter included a commitment to provide 1,260 weeks of paid employment for new starters – equal to 26 full time jobs – rising to 1,700 weeks if successful.

Once opened in autumn 2015 the new Dental Hospital will replace the current facility near St Chad’s Circus in the city centre.

The public will access all dental services in one wing of the building, with a second providing world-class research facilities and a modern learning environment for more than 600 undergraduate and postgraduate students and trainees.